France announces creation of new sanctuary for whales and dolphins in the West Indies
21 Jun 2006
WWF applauds the announcement made by France at the 58th annual session of the Whaling Commission currently being held in St. Kitts and Nevis to create a new sanctuary for the protection of whales and dolphins in the West Indies. This will include the Exclusive Economic Zone of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
This initiative adds to sanctuaries already existing in New Caledonia, Polynesia, and in the Mediterranean. It further underscores France's actions to conserve cetaceans.
This sanctuary will enable the development of scientific research and reinforce the protection of the numerous species present in this zone including the Bryde's whale, sei whale, humpback whale, sperm whale and pygmy whales. All are listed as endangered or vulnerable species on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List.
Since the creation of the PELAGOS sanctuary in the Mediterranean, whale watching has been closely supervised, new Natura 2000 zones have been added and maritime services have been involved. Research has led to increased knowledge of cetaceans.
"Sanctuaries need proper human and financial means for them to function," says Denis Ody of WWF-France. "WWF strongly recommends that France provides this new sanctuary with a budget to meet the challenge, in accordance with the new Natural Maritime Parks law."
WWF calls on other countries to pursue similar initiatives and to create sanctuaries in their exclusive economic zones.
The neighbouring countries of the French West Indies, especially those whose economies rely on tourism, would be provided with a long-term sustainable income by joining this process, according to WWF.
Find out more
Eléonore Hadida, Press Officer, WWF-France
Phone: +33 1 55 25 84 61
Email: ehadida@wwf.fr
